The Hollywood Dream (or Nightmare?)

Imagine being Seth Rogen, the head cheese at the fictional Continental Studios, juggled with delusions of grandeur that could rival those of a toddler convinced they can fly by just flapping their arms. In a chat with Howard Stern, Rogen spilled the beans about his character, Matt Remick. He mused about the frustrating allure of Hollywood, where one might think they can just wave a magic wand and fix everything. Spoiler: Matt doesn’t save Hollywood, but hey, Rogen sure is making TV cooler this year!

The Little Screen’s Big Comeback

2025 is serving up a buffet of delightful content that’s breathing new life into our beloved TV shows. There’s something for everyone—from mind-bending mysteries to hilarious comedies. If you weren’t glued to your screen, you totally missed the memo. Let’s dive into the nuggets of brilliance that 2025 has churned out for our viewing pleasure!

Adolescence: Painful and Beautiful

Ah, the beauty of a single take! This Netflix gem, crafted by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, is a heart-wrenching exploration of a family shattered by tragedy. When the cops knock on the door of the Millers with news that their son, Jamie, is wanted for murder, they have no idea they’re in for a four-part rollercoaster ride of emotion. No cuts, just raw storytelling that plays out like a tragic ballet.

Alien: Earth – A Scream in Space

Set two years before the classic Ridley Scott flick, Alien: Earth is a sci-fi thrill ride that has us all on the edge of our couches. The show dives into the corporate madness surrounding Weyland-Yutani, where a group of mega-rich wannabe immortals creates child-brained hybrids. Sounds crazy, right? Buckle up for some wild action and even wilder ideas—this one has us intrigued!

Andor: The Ultimate Rebel

If you thought the Star Wars universe was just about lightsabers and epic battles, think again! Andor hit the mark as it blended revolutionary spirit with a dash of drama. In its second season, Cassian Andor’s saga wraps up in a way that’ll have you cheering, crying, and questioning everything about the galaxy far, far away. Diego Luna just nails it as our reluctant hero, redefining what it means to fight for a cause!

Dying for Sex: A Journey Through Self-Discovery

Imagine having a blast while tackling heavy topics like sex and mortality—sounds tricky, right? Enter Dying for Sex, a miniseries starring Michelle Williams that takes us on an unexpectedly touching journey. Molly, facing Stage IV breast cancer, decides to rediscover herself in the most unconventional ways. It’s funny, poignant, and brutally honest—like a therapy session with way more laughs!

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia: Still Hilarious After All These Years

Seventeen seasons in and these loveable misfits are still bringing the laughter! FX knows how to keep the fun alive as the gang gets into some pretty wacky antics this year. If you thought they’d run out of ideas, think again! From salsa dancing to ridiculous plots, they’re still kicking butt and making us ROFL.

Long Story Short: A Family Affair

Ready for a heartfelt animated series? Long Story Short takes us on a profound journey over 30 years with the Schwooper family. Creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg does it again, delivering humor alongside the sobering realities of family life. Expect to laugh, cry, and relate to every little nuance of the chaos that is family.

Murderbot: The Cyborg with a Heart

What happens when a security bot decides to ditch its programming, pop some popcorn, and binge-watch its favorite series? You get Murderbot, where Alexander Skarsgård lends his charm to a cyborg trying to find its place in the world while hilariously failing to keep its true identity under wraps. With a blend of humor and sci-fi action, this one’s a keeper!

The Pitt: The ‘90s Med Drama Renaissance

Can we talk about how The Pitt made us feel all the nostalgia by bringing back the ‘90s medical drama vibes? The show rushes you through the corridors of Pittsburgh’s Trauma Medical Center at breakneck speed—it’s like ER with a modern day twist! One moment you’re glued to the action, the next you’re gasping for air. Now that’s how you entertain!

The Rehearsal: Lessons in Life and Comedy

Nathan Fielder is back with a twist in The Rehearsal, where he takes on the aviation industry. This season ups the ante with Fielder’s trademark comedic approach blending social commentary with ridiculous rehearsals that delve deep into human absurdity. If you’ve ever wondered how to prevent a plane crash through practice, you’re in for a wild ride!

Severance: The Enigmatic Return

After leaving us hanging, Severance season 2 serves up answers while keeping the mystery alive. With unforgettable moments and Ben Stiller’s genius directing, we’re reminded why we fell in love with this quirky show in the first place. The goats are back, and so are the puzzling questions that keep our hearts racing!

Squid Game: The Thrilling Final Chapter

Squid Game’s final act was all the rage this year, inching right into 2025. Prepare yourself for a mix of thrill and dread as the series serves up more shocking twists. The ultimate games are back, and they’ve never been more intense. Is it possible to survive when the stakes are high and the contestants are even more desperate? Don’t blink!

The Studio: A Love Letter to Movies

Finally, we end our list with The Studio, a delightful romp through the life of Matt Remick, who’s in love with films—even if he seems hell-bent on making a mess of them. This series pokes fun at Hollywood, enjoying every laugh-worthy moment on screen while reveling in the chaotic world of television. On this journey, expect tons of laughs and some over-the-top situations that only a show like this can deliver!